Explore This Park

NPS Offers September Full Moon Tour of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

As a special experience for park visitors and neighboring communities, the National Park Service continues the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Full Moon Tour again in September on Thursday, September 7, 2006. This will be the last Full Moon Tour offered this year, as the lighthouse closes on October 9, 2006 for the season.

Two tours will be given, one at 7:15 p.m.and the second at8:15 p.m., with each tour limited to 30 people. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Full Moon Tour ticket sales will start on Tuesday, September 5. The lighthouse ticket booth is open from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Full Moon Tour tickets are non-refundable. The Eastern National bookstore at the site will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

As there are no lights inside the lighthouse, climbers will navigate the 257 staircase using handheld flashlights. During the climb, park rangers will provide stories of the arduous duties of the lighthouse keeper. In the lantern room, visitors will be able to view the light up close and in motion; and hear of the operation of the beacon, past and present - a truly unique experience. Outside on the lighthouse balcony (weather cooperating), climbers will get a glimpse of what the lighthouse keepers of old were able to experience - seeing that beam of light reaching out to sea and the startling reflection of the newly risen moon on the ocean. It doesn’t get much better than this!

Things to know:

1.Full Moon Tour tickets, limited to the first 60 purchasers, must be purchased in person, in advance, at the lighthouse ticket booth. Full Moon Tour ticket sales begin Tuesday, September 5th. It is anticipated that tickets will sell out early. Standard admissions fees apply: $6 for adults, and $3 for children (11 and under) as well as seniors (62 and older). The lighthouse ticket booth, located at the lighthouse site, is open from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.

3.All participants are required to be at least 42 inches tall and must climb the steps on their own – they can not be carried! If unsure, check with the Rangers before purchasing your non-refundable ticket. Also, keep in mind that some youngsters, although meeting height requirements, may not enjoy the dimly lit, sometimes claustrophobic environment.

4.Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

5.For safety reasons, all participants must climb and descend with their group. No exceptions.

6.Know your limitations! The lighthouse is tall, dark, often hot, humid, and can be a challenge to climb. There are no internal lights or air conditioning.

7.All routine lighthouse safety requirements, as well as restrictions as to eating, drinking, gum etc., apply. This information will be provided to you when you purchase your ticket.

8.Tickets are non-refundable. If the program is cancelled due to weather, the ticket holder may exchange the ticket the following morning, September 8th, between the hours of 8:15 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. for a replacement ticket useable only on September 8th. This ticket will be for day climbing only.